In a climate in which historically Black colleges and universities are continually having to defend their relevance and viability, Miles College is positioning itself as not only a critical cornerstone of Birmingham, Alabama’s past, but also a key partner in its future.
In addition to producing a large number of graduates who work in the city government, its utility offices, and who comprise its professional population of doctors and lawyers and business owners, the institution has been a key partner with the city in many political initiatives, including partnering on a recent bid for the Democratic National Convention, the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative and other civic and educational pursuits.
“Miles College has played a vital role in supporting city initiatives throughout the years while molding future citizens of Birmingham for the future,” said Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. “They are truly a partner with us in moving Birmingham forward.”
Miles College President Dr. George T. French, Jr. organizes a march from the steps of Brown Hall—the campus administration building—to the local polling place every election day to instill in students a sense of history and importance associated with the right and now responsibility for Black citizens to vote in Alabama.
But the institution’s community involvement isn’t limited to political engagement.
French said the institution has a responsibility “to [help] meet the needs of our community.”
“We have a unique opportunity to assist the city of Fairfield wherein we reside,” he said, noting, “All colleges and universities don’t have that opportunity. Some of them are already in very stable communities and very stable cities that have tax bases and revenue streams that allow them to assist the local college. Unfortunately, our city wherein we reside, being the city of Fairfield is experiencing some financial challenges, so they are not able to provide financial resources to us, but instead we are looking for creative ways to partner with them to assist with housing and community development.”
